Tuesday, December 21, 2010

I' m in mexico... everything you hear is true kinda and kinda not!
I'm in shock. This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I really don't know what to say.
The first night was freaking crazy and that night changed my life forever! This is freakin crazy. ....
I can't even explain to you the things that went on and are going on its just crazy.

Here is the basic information. I got sent to Coatzacoalcos in Veracrus on a bus. I'm on a beach and I have a native companion named Elder Marin. I'm in a 2 room apartment (2 room for bathroom kitchen beds study everything) with 3 native Mexicans. Its all day everyday Spanish and I don't know anything. I have been really humbled and I can't wait to talk to you soon, the 24th actually! When you call here ask for Elder Johnston the gringo!
That is great you have that phone mom wow. That's cool especially because it could buy like 2 houses where I am.
There are 4 of us sleeping in one room. One in 2 side by side, one at the foot of us and one in a hammock above us.
This is so hard. The language is hard. No one can explain anything to you and its freakin hot. The people are so poor and not healthy. It's hard I'm not going to lie to you, but I have already had some of the best experiences of my life. I love it. I'm not complaining one bit I just want you to know.
It's really hard when the Mexicans you live with want all your stuff because they think you are rich and say it all the time - that really stinks.
The Lord is watching over me. I don't know how but he is keeping me safe. I have already seen illegal activty, someone hit by a bus, and like every movie you see how there are like 10 Mexicans in a car with 1 white guy..... well lets just say I haven't been sitting by myself since I got here.
AND WE WALK!!!!
Well, I do have 2 baptisms this weekend. My companion and I have been working hard this last week and will more this coming week. My pday is Monday every week now and I have to have a part in my hair .
I love you all sooooo much and I pray for you and for help every time I pray. I love you and always have a smile on your face because you dont know how good you have it.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

It was a long anticipated wait but he finally made it to the MTC. We left Lacey's house in Lehi about 12:30 p.m. and it all went quite quickly except for the BYU volleyball players jogging by Cougar Stadium. We were met with the sidewalks lined with missionaries and they had his luggage out of the back of the truck before even got out! He hugged Jason, me, Rob and then Terrin and he was gone! It was like dropping him off at the airport! It took less than one minute!

We received his first email the next Friday and he absolutely loves it!! His companion is Elder White from Orem Utah who is an athlete and he has made many new friends. Jake and Elder Price who is a weight lifter, work out every other day and Jake has worked up to 100 push up every morning! Another missonary in his district, Elder Smith, learned that the day after he went into the MTC his mother had passed away! and he decided to stay on his misson. It has had a big impact on Jake. He said that it brought a very special spirit into their district!

He has heard from Elder Scott, Elder Neilsen, Elder Bednar, a "70" and Sheri Dew! He knew that I would be jealous and told her how much I liked her!! He said that there are many missionaries who never get to hear from a general authority their whole MTC stay!

Jake is suppose to leave for Mexico December 14, 2010 and has asked that we pray for him to get his visa soon. If he doesn't get it we will not get our phone call at Christmas because he may still be in the MTC. They have been sending some missonaies out into the United States until they get their visa. When Jake first got there they received about 6 inches of snow and he didn't have a coat and wrote to send him one right away. We didn't think he would need one in Mexico but now if doesn't go right away it will be a good thing he has one!!

He is working real hard on the Spanish and it is coming along real well. He speaks Spanish all day - everyday except his p-days now! There really is something about the gift of tongues! His letters are quite interesting now a little English, a little Spanish, a few miss spelled words and little txt lingo!! Sometimes I need a little help with the txt part, the Spanish is easier to understand!!

He loves hearing from everyone especially hand written letters and letters from dear elder.com. His address is:

Elder Jake Johnston

MTC mailbox #113

MEX-VLH 1213

2005 N 900 E

Provo, Utah 84604-1793

In all of Jake's letters and emails all he can talk about is how real and strong the spirit is and how his testimony has grown so much. He is learning to recognize truth and loves the work. He loves the gospel, He loves his Father in Heaven and he loves Jesus Christ. He is learning a whole new appreciation for family and thankful for the knowledge of eternal families!

I am new at this computor thing and new at blogging so I hope this will be a cool way of keeping everyone posted on Jakes accomplishements and trials without me having a nervous breakdown first!!